portrait

1 of 2

noun

por·​trait ˈpȯr-trət 

-ˌtrāt

1

: picture

especially : a pictorial representation of a person usually showing the face

2

: a sculptured figure : bust

3

: a graphic portrayal in words

portrait

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or being a rectangular document having the vertical dimension longer than the horizontal dimension

switching from landscape to portrait mode

compare landscape sense 3

Synonyms of portrait

Noun

• description
• depiction
• portrayal
• picture
• sketch

Examples of portrait in a Sentence

Noun

The queen posed for her portrait.

The book presents a portrait of life in a small town.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Art World of the 1980s (1988), and the comprehensive six-volume set The Lives of Artists (2019), all of which collect his New Yorker portraits. —News Desk, Artforum, 22 Mar. 2026

Jargalsaikhan Bayarkhand's winning entry from Mongolia is a striking portrait of a Kazakh nomad in traditional attire and the country's sparse landscape framing him. —New Atlas, 21 Mar. 2026

Adjective

The Mini 13's design lends itself to vertical, portrait orientation photos. —Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 17 Mar. 2026

An event that was particularly impactful for families was the portrait day, Thomas said. —Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Middle French pourtraict, portraict "image, representation," going back to Old French portret, noun derivative from past participle of pourtraire "to represent, depict" — more at portray

Adjective

from attributive use of portrait entry 1; so called because such a format is customarily used for portraits

First Known Use

Noun

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1975, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing portrait

• self-portrait

Kids Definition

portrait

1 of 2 noun

por·​trait ˈpōr-trət 

ˈpȯr-, 

-ˌtrāt

1

: a picture of a person usually showing the face

2

: a portrayal in words

portrait

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or being a rectangular document having the vertical dimension longer than the horizontal dimension

printed in portrait mode

compare landscape